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Old 05-25-2020, 03:47 PM   #1
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What is this?

I have a 2003 Dutchman 35' Classic toyhauler. There is an electrical box in front storage area with a blue cover on it.

I opened it up and the wires are dead. I called the company and they said don't worry about it because I don't have a generator. Felt like they were not interested.

So my question is? Is it to hook up a generator? Are the wires dead until powered up by a generator? Looking to purchase a portable generaotor and would be nice to hook up there rather then using the long power cable.

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Old 05-25-2020, 07:30 PM   #2
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It is what it is:-)


I would not worry about it and throw it away. If you get a new generator. Start new. Most generators have Circuit Breaker built in.



Esco Safeguard SG30 Circuit Breaker 30 Amp




https://www.amazon.com/Esco-Safeguar.../dp/B07FWCQQ3Y
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Old 05-26-2020, 12:31 AM   #3
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It is a circuit breaker that is most likely pre-wired for your rig if it was ordered with a generator. I am not familiar with your trailer, but if you look at where the generator would be mounted if it was ordered, you will likely find the other end of the wires.
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Old 05-30-2020, 09:19 PM   #4
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Open the cover and see what size the breaker is, see what size the wire is, how many any the colors. Maybe we can figure it out that way?
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Old 05-31-2020, 03:19 PM   #5
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I just looked closer and model SG 30 on the cover tells me it’s probably a 30 amp breaker.
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Old 05-31-2020, 04:22 PM   #6
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Here is a pic of the inside wiring.

Appears to be 12/2 wire. They are not hot. I am sure these wires are not the right size to carry any voltage to the RV from the generator.

So I guess the question goes on, what is it for?
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Old 05-31-2020, 04:34 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by labill View Post
Here is a pic of the inside wiring.

Appears to be 12/2 wire. They are not hot. I am sure these wires are not the right size to carry any voltage to the RV from the generator.

So I guess the question goes on, what is it for?
That's pretty laffable! Looks like one circuit, probably carries 30 amps that goes through that joke of a circuit breaker with those SHII crimp on connectors. I would probably use it for a solar connection. Does your RV have a 50 amp connection or 30? Are there any circuit breakers in your panel off?
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Old 05-31-2020, 05:02 PM   #8
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Can’t tell for sure what size the wires are, Looks like 12 or might be 14? The wired MIGHT go to a transfer switch or inverter? I would go to the web site and see what it offers for info. I’ve been an electrician for over 40 years and it does look kinda funky.
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Old 05-31-2020, 05:54 PM   #9
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My setup is 30amp. All breakers work.

I am sure they are 12/2 wires. When I first saw this I figured the box was to hook up the generator at that location becasue there is a screen vent in the storage door and location to cut floor out for the exhaust. Not sure now, wires appear to small.

Nothing in manual so I will look for inverter and see if I can trace the wires.

Thanks everyone,
Bill
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Old 06-04-2020, 04:19 PM   #10
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Spoke with the company. They said the circuit breaker was a requirement for pre-wired generator setups.

If generator has break then disregard.

So now I assume that the wires from the RV, like I said appear to be 12/2 are dead and the generator would hook up to those and transfer to the RV system.

Anyone see different?

Thanks again,
Bill
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Old 06-04-2020, 05:34 PM   #11
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If those wire are #12 the code is 20 Amps. Which company told you that? Trailer comp or safe guard? You don’t want to over load the wires that’s what starts fires. I can’t think of any reason to put a 30 amp breaker on 20 amp wire? There is different insulation’s for different applications that allow more amps on #12 copper but that isn’t normal wire like I see in your picture and it’s expensive and not used in normal applications.
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Old 06-04-2020, 06:43 PM   #12
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The orange-colored wire sheathing is set aside for 10-gauge wire. It is able to handle 30-amp circuit loads. These loads include air conditioners, water heater feeds, and any other 30-amp loads.

fyi:

Romex Extra Color NM-B is a line of nonmetallic cable color-coded by gauge size. No. 14 is white, No. 12 is yellow, No. 10 is orange and No. 6 is black. The colors simplify inventory management for distributors and provide easier installations for contractors.
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Old 06-04-2020, 06:59 PM   #13
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Frank is correct

I didn’t see the orange jacket. Good eyes Frank. Frank is correct the orange jacket does signify #10. Looks like we have several electricians on here.
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Old 06-04-2020, 07:16 PM   #14
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This has been my problem. Why, what appears to be 12/2 wire be in a circuit breaker box for a generator. As said by others it has been my understanding it must be a lest #10.

I can not find any wiring diagram or mention of this in my manual.

Thanks for all the feed back,

Bill
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Old 06-05-2020, 11:06 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by labill View Post
This has been my problem. Why, what appears to be 12/2 wire be in a circuit breaker box for a generator. As said by others it has been my understanding it must be a lest #10.

I can not find any wiring diagram or mention of this in my manual.

Thanks for all the feed back,

Bill

it's 10AWG... look at the jacket!
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Old 06-05-2020, 12:16 PM   #16
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Need to get my eyes checked. That is an Orange wrap. Same type we used on our washer/dryer. I have done my share of electrical wiring in my own homes but not an expert.

So now my question? Is this outlet for a receptial to feed power from a generator?

Thanks,
Bill
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Old 06-05-2020, 12:30 PM   #17
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Do you think you have a transfer switch on your unit already. That wire would go to the transfer switch then go to the load center I believe. If you don't have a transfer switch installed, it's probably dead and only pre-wired. By the way, those crimp-on connectors are crap. IF you get a generator, re-wire it.
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Old 06-05-2020, 12:53 PM   #18
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I don't know if it's just pre-wired or what. Nothing in manual.

I will get it checked out. Thanks for all your information, it sure gets me going in the right direction.

Thanks,
Bill
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